No Other Woman

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Jan 1
First reading Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Say this to Aaron and his sons: “This is how you are to bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.” This is how they are to call down my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.’

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 66:2-3,5,6,8 

Second reading                                                          Galatians 4:4-7 When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable us to be adopted as sons. The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.
Gospel                                                                         Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.   When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.
Reflection by Grace Madrinan

Today is the last day of the long streak of holidays.  What have we achieved? Aside from attending every other get-together and reunions there is, what have we accomplished? I myself  is guilty of having been busy for the past two weeks.  Too  busy that I almost miss the point of what the celebrations are all about.

Today is the solemnity of Mary as the Holy Mother of God. In a few days time, we have open all gifts, put away the Christmas decorations and go back to our usual routines. But one truth remains, we are forever changed by His coming into the world. Salvation starts with the birth of the Savior. And all of this would not have been possible if not for Mary who said “Yes” to God, who carried Jesus for nine months in her womb, who nursed and protected the Child from those who wanted to harm Him.

What best way to start the new year than to remember this truth that we have been so loved by God that He is willing to be among us. There are no shortcuts.  He could have just sent His Spirit among some chosen people and yet He chose to send His Son. He could have chosen any other woman but He chose the perfect Mother who is Mary. Everything is conceived in His “Grand Plan”.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for sending us Your Son to be one with us and thank You for choosing Mary to be His Mother.  May we treasure this gift even past this season and extend the generosity to our neighbors all throughout the year. Amen.